Arsene Wenger is convinced that Sead Kolasinac has the physical attributes to adapt swiftly to the Premier League.
The left wing-back, whose giant stature has earned him the nickname ‘the Bosnian Hulk’, was an imposing presence for Arsenal after his delayed introduction in the Community Shield at Wembley.
Kolasinac replaced a bloodied Per Mertesacker in the 32nd minute of the 1-1 draw with Chelsea which Arsenal subsequently won 4-1 on penalties.
After Victor Moses’ opener moments into the first half Kolasinac was on hand to head home Arsenal’s equaliser eight minutes before full-time, flicking home Granit Xhaka’s free-kick following a foul that had seen Pedro sent off.
Naturally a wing-back Kolasinac excelled in an unfamiliar back three alongside Nacho Monreal and Rob Holding, with Arsenal boss Wenger hailing the summer signing as “outstanding”.
“He is physically very strong naturally,” Wenger told Standard Sport. “There are players who are pumped up in the gym and players who are born strong. He is the second part.
“In the Premier League, power plays a part, but it’s not only that. We took him as well because of his attitude. I believe that the modern game doesn’t tolerate as many weaknesses as it did 20 years ago and you always need a combination of talent and attitude.
“He looks to me that he has good talent, but as well a very strong and determined attitude, supported by a strong body.”
Kolasinac arrived on a free transfer from Schalke and his five year contract already seems a shrewd investment by Arsenal, even though Wenger admitted he had his doubts over handing the 24-year-old a starting spot at Wembley.
“He came on well,” Wenger added. “He’s normally a wing-back or a full-back but he can also play at centre back.
“He had a very interesting performance last week and I had a hesitation over playing him from the start today. I thought maybe the pressure of Wembley… but when he came on, he was outstanding.”